Selfridges stalkers back in saddle

RETAIL entrepreneur Tom Hunter has linked up with two of Britain's richest men, the billionaire Reuben brothers, who backed the Scottish businessman's abortive attempt on Selfridges earlier this year.

Brothers David and Simon, who are said to be worth £2bn, have taken an equity stake in the consortium set up by Hunter to buy a portfolio of six shopping centres.

Hunter paid £310m for the properties, bought from developer REIT and the Reubens are said to have invested between £10m and £20m.

As well as losing out on Selfridges, Hunter made an unsuccessful takeover attempts on House of Fraser and Allders. He and the Reuben brothers are exploring opportunities in the retail and property sectors.